Wheatley, a director and shareholder of Chris Fowler International, completed the acquisition of the Twickenham-based printer on April 6, after weeks of speculation about its future ownership see earlier story.

CTD Capita, winner of the 2003 PrintWeek Awards Report & Accounts Printer of the Year, was sold to Wheatley's CTD Printers for an undisclosed sum.

Wheatley commented: "CTD has continued to flourish under Capita's ownership. I am delighted to be the new owner of this excellent, award-winning colour printer and look forward to continuing to grow the company and support our customers with the focus and expertise I bring from my many years operating in the print arena. This creates a stable and promising future for customers, staff and suppliers alike."

CTD Capita managing director Tony Manser has left the firm, but will act as a consultant to CTD Printers for a month.

Manser is considering his options after that, but wouldn't be drawn on his specific plans.  "I am going to take my time to pick the best opportunity," he said.

The Capita Group acquired CTD in 2000 as part of a deal to purchase share registrar, IRG.

"CTD was never a core business for Capita" said Manser. "I was employed to make the business ready for sale and I'm very pleased to see Wheatley buy the business and take it forward."

Manser added that Wheatley's love of quality print made CTD an attractive acquisition and made him an attractive buyer. "He really loves this business," he said.

Story  by Ruth Nicholas